Barcelona youngster Alejandro Balde has been omitted from the 23-man Spain squad that will face Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier at Hampden Park tonight, as confirmed officially by RFEF.
The 19-year-old was one of two Barça stars who had made the cut to the 25-man roster for the current international break. Pedri had also been selected by manager Luis de la Fuente, but the midfielder had to withdraw because of an injury.
Meanwhile, Balde started in Spain’s last game against Norway and put in a solid shift, even registering his first assist on the international level.
While De la Fuente has named a 25-man roster, UEFA only allows managers to select 23 players for matchday squads. It had resulted in the La Roja boss leaving out David Garcia and Borja Iglesias from the list against Norway.
And this time it is Alejandro Balde who has not been included, with all signs pointing towards Jose Gaya starting at left-back against Scotland.
Along with him, former La Masia trainee Dani Olmo, who starred in the win against Norway, has also been left out, albeit due to a knock he picked up.
As for Balde, there is no indication that his omission is fitness related and appears to be a technical decision made by the manager.
The youngster should be back at Barcelona earlier than anticipated as a result, which could increase his chances of featuring against Elche on Saturday in La Liga.
Balde has played 33 times for Barcelona this season, registering six assists in the process. The 19-year-old has become a key cog in Xavi’s setup and the Catalans have made it one of their top priorities to renew his contract and register him as a first-team player in the summer.
